Imaging in atypical van der knaap disease with subependymal nodular heterotopia: A case report

Radiol Case Rep. 2024 Dec 6;20(2):1222-1228. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.11.013. eCollection 2025 Feb.

Abstract

Here, we discuss a rare and to our knowledge, the first case of an atypical Van der Knaap's disease in a 6-year-old boy who presented with motor difficulties, developmental delay, cognitive impairment, seizures. The objective of this report is to highlight its unusual findings on MRI including internal capsule, brainstem, cerebellum involvement; subependymal nodular heterotopia, subependymal cysts, cortical laminar necrosis along with typical findings of megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy and subcortical cysts. The study also underscores the clinical implications of this complex pathology, with emphasis on comprehensive neuroradiological evaluation for atypical presentations to guide better diagnostic and management outcomes.

Keywords: Atypical Van der Knaap; Cortical laminar necrosis; MRI Brain; Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with Subcortical Cysts; Subependymal nodular heterotopia; Van der Knaap.

Publication types

  • Case Reports